Action Plan to Protect Cairngorms

A new Cairngorms Nature Action Plan outlines how people and nature can thrive together within the National Park.

The vast and wild landscapes of the Cairngorms make it possible to do conservation projects on a huge scale and the new five-year plan will outline targets for enhancing specific habitats such as peatlands, woodlands and wetlands.

There will be action to help ensure the future of vulnerable priority species including the capercaillie, curlew, pine hoverfly and twinflower.

However, conservation in the park can only be really sustainable in the long term by putting people at its heart, so the plan will also focus on how to inspire people to get involved in nature conservation.

Chair of Cairngorms Nature, Andy Wells said: “The Cairngorms National Park is a jewel in the Scottish and UK landscape and has a vast wealth of outstanding habitats and wildlife that need to be sustainably managed, enhanced and conserved.

"Our natural heritage is of international importance, but it is also vital for the economy of the area. Tourism, whisky production and agriculture all benefit from having a healthy, biologically diverse Park. It is only by working together in partnership across the community that we will be able to deliver for both nature and people in the National Park.”

Judith Webb, a member of the CNPA Board and the Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group said: “This may be a five-year plan but we have a 50-year-vision. The plan is not an end point on its own but the next step in that journey.

"It will give a clear direction for our conservation work and outline how we can deliver a sustainable future, we would encourage people to join with us and find out how they can get involved in caring for the park.”

Over 120 people gathered in Boat of Garten Hall for the launch.

To find out more about Cairngorms Nature and how to get involved contact lucyford@cairngorms.co.uk